The Core Idea
Newton's Second Law of Motion states that an object will accelerate if there is a net force acting on it. A net force is the unbalanced sum of all forces acting on an object.
Explanation
* Balanced Forces: If forces on an object are equal and opposite, they cancel each other out. The net force is zero, and the object remains at rest or continues moving at a constant velocity (no acceleration).
* Unbalanced Forces: If the forces are not equal and opposite, there is a net force. This net force causes the object to accelerate. The direction of the acceleration is the same as the direction of the net force.
Addressing Your Statement
Your statement is almost correct, but it needs to be phrased more precisely:
* Incorrect: "...forces acting on it one direction are greater than force in opposite all will accelerate except..."
* The word "one direction" makes it seem like there's only one force acting on the object. This isn't necessarily true.
* The phrase "all will accelerate except..." implies there's a specific case where acceleration doesn't happen.
* Corrected: "An object will accelerate if the net force acting on it is non-zero. This means the forces in one direction must be greater than the forces in the opposite direction. The only exception is when the net force is zero (balanced forces), in which case the object will not accelerate."
Example
Imagine pushing a box across the floor.
* No Acceleration: If you push with 10 Newtons of force and friction also pushes back with 10 Newtons of force, the net force is zero. The box won't move.
* Acceleration: If you push with 15 Newtons of force and friction still pushes back with 10 Newtons, the net force is 5 Newtons. The box will accelerate in the direction you're pushing.
Key Takeaway: Acceleration depends on the net force, not simply the presence of forces in different directions.
